Walking School Bus

Children who walk to school are more alert and ready to learn, strengthen their social networks and develop lifetime fitness habits. A Walking School Bus allows a group of children to walk to school under the supervision of two or more adults.

ABOUT WALKING SCHOOL BUSES

Thirty years ago, 60% of children living within a 2-mile radius of a school walked or bicycled "both ways" to school. Today, that number has dropped to less than 15%.

Our kids are struggling with obesity before they hit middle school, and while energy-dense foods and large portion sizes have certainly played a role in this growing epidemic, including the simple and effective exercise of walking to school could help keep it at bay.

Thankfully, there's a simple solution: we need to help our kids get more exercise. Research and experience have proven that children who walk to school are more alert and ready to engage in classroom learning. Children who exercise with their friends are more likely to have a better level of overall fitness. This program will strengthen friendships while teaching kids to be responsible pedestrians and develop lifelong fitness habits. So how do we make this happen for kids today? By creating a Walking School Bus.

A Walking School Bus is a group of children walking to school with two or more adults.

Along with Healthways, the Blue Zones Project® has exclusive agreements with the world's leading experts-people like Dan Burden—and applies their expertise to transforming communities.

ABOUT DAN BURDEN

In 2001 Time Magazine selected Burden as one of the six most important Civic Innovators in the World. He is a visionary community-planning expert that has created methods to improve traffic flow, commuter safety and road design. For the past 38 years, Dan Burden has worked with cities and towns all over the United States to improve the well-being of citizens by making their communities more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

FAQ

What is a Walking School Bus?

Walking School Bus is a group of children walking to school with two or more adults.

Why is a Walking School Bus beneficial?

To make walking to school safer, more fun, and more convenient, communities are using Walking School Buses. These communities have experienced a real difference in child and community well-being and continue to have growing success. Children who walk to school: Are more alert and ready to learn; Strengthen their social networks; Develop lifetime fitness habits; Help reduce traffic; and Learn to be good/safe pedestrians

What are ways to support the Walking School Bus in my neighborhood?

Cheer on walkers in your neighborhood,
Congratulate and support our school and city leaders who are champions for the Walking School Bus Program,
Volunteer to be a Walking School Bus leader and take on a walking route,
Educate community individuals about how to be a safe commuter,
Advocate for a more livable, walkable, bikable community.

What does a Walking School Bus volunteer do?

Volunteers will be responsible for walking a designated route at a scheduled time, picking up pre-determined children along this route and delivering them to their destination safely. It’s a great opportunity to support a more livable/walkable community and encourage kids to stay or get fit.

What are the benefits to being a Walking School Bus volunteer?

Benefits for volunteers include increasing your daily exercise, encouraging and inspiring kids to stay or get fit, promoting a more livable communities, reducing traffic and having fun!

How do I become a Walking School Bus volunteer?

Complete the volunteer application at www.bluezonesproject.com to get connected with the Walking School Bus Coordinator at a school near you,
Participate in volunteer training,
Complete the volunteer screening process,
Provide your CDL, DOB, Social Security # to complete the screening process

How does the Walking School Bus program support the Blue Zones Project?

The Walking School Bus program supports two of the Power 9® Principles: Move Naturally and Right Tribe.
Move Naturally: We can get more physical activity naturally if we live in walkable communities, de-convenience our homes and grow gardens.
Right Tribe: Your friends have a long-term impact on your well-being. Expanding your social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life.